The Pittsburgh Penguins return home to face the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena on November 6, 2025, for Pittsburgh Night presented by U.S. Steel. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The game highlights the ongoing rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
The Penguins enter the matchup with an 8-4-2 record, while the Capitals stand at 6-5-1. This game marks the beginning of a stretch where Pittsburgh will play five of its next eight contests at home. Historically, the Penguins have dominated the Capitals since the 2015-16 season, securing 24 wins, the most against any opponent. They have earned points in seven of their last 11 games against Washington (6-4-1) dating back to November 9, 2022.
Key Penguins players have strong records against the Capitals. Evgeni Malkin has tallied 81 points (27 goals, 54 assists) in 66 career games versus Washington. Bryan Rust has 24 points (15 goals, 9 assists) in 36 games, contributing to an 11-4-2 Penguins record when he records a point against them. Danton Heinen has scored goals in back-to-back games against the Capitals and holds 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 21 such matchups. Philip Tomasino has six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in eight career games versus Washington.
Roster updates include the recall of goaltender Sergei Murashov, forward Danton Heinen, and defenseman Ryan Graves from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. Murashov posted a 5-2-0 record with a 1.73 goals-against average and .931 save percentage in seven AHL games. Heinen led the AHL with 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in 10 games. Graves recorded seven points (1 goal, 6 assists) and a plus-9 rating. Placed on injured reserve were goaltender Tristan Jarry, forward Noel Acciari, and forward Justin Brazeau, while defenseman Owen Pickering was reassigned to the AHL.
The Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry enters its 21st season, with the Penguins holding a 42-27-4 record in 73 head-to-head games. Pittsburgh's power play ranks second in the NHL at 32.4% (11-for-34), led by Sidney Crosby's four power-play goals. Malkin leads the team with 19 points (3 goals, 16 assists), tied for fourth league-wide. Six rookies, including Ben Kindel with five goals, have contributed significantly. Defensemen Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson rank first and second among active blueliners in points against Washington.
The game will feature a Penguins Pledge event with the National Aviary, including live penguin ambassadors at the arena. It airs on ESPN+ and Hulu, with radio coverage on 105.9 The X and the Penguins app.